K-beauty dupes

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant vs COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Save £16.01 with the Korean alternative. Here’s how close it really is.

Similar job. Does the same job, but with different or milder key ingredients.

The original

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

£35.00

118ml · £2.97 per 10ml
Cult Beauty and Selfridges, RRP

  • Salicylic acid (2%)

The K-beauty alternative

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

£18.99

100ml · £1.90 per 10ml
delivered, from LIKESKIN

What’s the same

Both are leave-on liquid exfoliants with a BHA, used after cleansing to unclog pores and smooth texture.

What’s different

Paula’s Choice uses 2% salicylic acid, the classic, well-researched BHA. COSRX uses 4% betaine salicylate, a milder cousin of salicylic acid with less research behind it, plus niacinamide.

Our take: If blackheads and pores are your main concern, Paula’s Choice has the stronger evidence. If your skin is sensitive, or you want a gentler, cheaper start, COSRX is a good option. Don’t use either on the same night as a retinoid.

Compare prices for the K-beauty alternative

Sources

  1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant at Cult Beauty

Original prices are the recommended retail price at the shop named, checked 31 October 2026. They’re often discounted, and many UK beauty shops deliver free over £25. K-beauty prices include delivery for buying one item, checked 28 October 2026. Some links may earn us a commission, which never changes our verdicts. How we check